Hello, I'll make a start, write a few notes, etc, though I don't need to be a total skinflint, my situation is improving all the time. After years of watching my spending it is now second nature to me to be very careful, thus I am not feeling hard done by or stressed about money in any way.

Money saving is still a game, living within my means is a challenge that I am not afraid of, in fact it's fun. I look on it as trying to beat the system.

I am a pensioner, living on the state pension plus a small top up pension, in a mortgage free house. I prioritize my spending, saving money on my day to day living expenses, so I have enough for what is important to me. A nice car, holidays and days out, and two cats.

Some of my money saving seems like piffle, only a few pennies here and there, but over a year, they mount up to quite substantial amounts. I changed my car two years ago and could afford to change it again now, but I will hang on a bit until I see something I really want, rather than change it for the sake of it.

I was over the other side of town on Tuesday, my vet is over that way. I came back through town and popped into Son of Morris as I was passing. Quiet a lot of choice in the yellow sticker reduced chiller cabinet. I got myself quite a bit of food for just over £5. Worth ten minutes to go and have a look. Last week I went into the £1 shop and found six free range eggs at half price, so bought two boxes. Eggs every day till they have gone. My meals are based on what I can buy cheap. Sometimes I shop at Al-didly, because it's close to town and fit it in with going to the bank, the library, and the Arts Centre.

My gas and electric bills came last month, I expected a bit more because I have been having a blast of the gas central heating. I pay quarterly into the bank for these. My supplier does not penalize customers for choosing this method of payment, they also do not have a standing charge. This not for profit organisation has a flat price per kw hour for everyone, which is slightly higher than other suppliers. It is ideal for me as a low user, but for a family it might not be so cost effective.

We are now on the 3rd of Feb, I have not been anywhere this month, the car hasn't moved, so I haven't spent anything.

Will clock in here from time to time. Good luck with the money saving everyone. Ilona

Cats are so fickle, Mo. Heidi likes those small sachets of Sheba, six in a pack. Normal price is £2, but the discount stores usually sell them for £1.49. Sains has them for £1.25 on offer. I've stocked up, also bought a small bag of Purina dry to try. Total spent £11.50.

I took some items to the Age UK charity shop, had a sort out. Had a browse while in there, and bought a picture frame for £1. I seem to be on a roll with painting at the moment. Always thought I was hopeless at painting pictures, but now I'm trying different methods. I find I like bold colours, and a bit abstract.

Oh my word, the credit card bill has landed, and it's a whopper. All the items on it are what was spent in January, now I have to cough up the dosh. Just as well I have an emergency fund to cover it. Food shop £30.59Petrol £46.59Car insurance £289.74Vet Bugsy £41.24Vet Bugsy £135.50Total £543.66On top of that I have to get my car road tax at £130. Total £673.66.

On the plus side I have a cheque for £15 to pay into the bank. That was my transport costs from the WI for a talk I did. I don't make a charge for the talk.

Tonight I had a home made ready meal for my dinner. That's a microwaved portion of a veggie stew. These I make with yellow sticker reduced veg, so they are very cheap.

This morning I went to Crafty Club and paid my £1. Two hours sitting in a warm room, coffee and biscuits.

Ilona, I'm interested in your utility company with no standing charge.. we don't have gas here, use coal for heating and cook by Calor. So my elect bill is very low, currently around £5 a week. You could PM me if you don't want to post it in here and cause a stampede

mardatha wrote:Ilona, I'm interested in your utility company with no standing charge.. we don't have gas here, use coal for heating and cook by Calor. So my elect bill is very low, currently around £5 a week. You could PM me if you don't want to post it in here and cause a stampede

Hello. I think it's ok to pass on information which might be useful to others. Google Ebico.